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The Importance of Investigative Journalism

Proverbs 18:15 – The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

Investigative journalists try to analyze a case thoroughly to give enough evidence for society about the true facts behind those acts. Verification is a crucial part of a democratic, free press, because without media holding the powerful accountable, the public would never know about the decisions politicians are making behind closed doors that could impact the general public. While it is a task for the media as a whole, investigative journalism does so in a far deeper, more nuanced manner. In South Africa, in 2017, #GuptaLeaks was revealed to the public thanks to investigative journalists. The reason journalists bother with investigations is to come up with more reliable reports to be given to readers, viewers, and listeners.

Politicians and others who do not deliver on promises can try to cover up facts; journalists must attempt to expose them. Of course, journalists are not the only ones in society who need to expose incompetence, corruption, lies, and broken promises. The job that these journalists are doing can destroy lives, but it can also help clean up names.

The nature of an investigative journalists profession requires that they find out the truth behind the stories, meaning the narrative does not end until it uncovers the most buried details. Citizen journalism also involves interviews with experts and victims of wrongdoing in order to reveal the truth. This kind of reporting requires a whole team behind it, composed of several reporters and editors.

Proverbs 2:10 – When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;

The Importance of Gaining Information, Knowledge and Wisdom

To achieve insight, you must have knowledge as well as wisdom before, then apply it. By practicing consistently and reflecting upon the knowledge and wisdom, ones insights may be gained, as well as having greater confidence in the future.

Wisdom is the application in beneficial ways of information learned in pursuit of knowledge. Ultimately, wisdom is taking knowledge–the information and facts of the world, and of the worlds people–and applying them to live profitably. Moreover, wisdom is always about making decisions within a context, understanding how each choice affects not just us, but also the people around us.

Proverbs 24:5 – A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.

As mentioned above, good decision-making and logical reasoning both help to create wisdom in the individual. Knowledge is important to build attributes which contribute in developing wisdom in an individual.

Knowledge becomes wisdom when we are capable of assimilation and application of this knowledge in making good decisions. Knowledge does not become wisdom until (and unless) we are willing to apply what we know in ways not used before, in ways to solve problems not already solved.

Proverbs 8:10 – Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.

Wisdom (the application of knowledge) allows us to achieve success by applying the knowledge we have acquired to solve various problems, situations, and problems we have not witnessed, experienced, or studied before. Wisdom teaches us to apply knowledge most effectively and efficiently, in order to achieve the place that we have set our sights on. Knowledge and understanding are the foundations for wisdom, but experience is key to attaining wisdom.

Just as your wisdom is assessed according to your learning and scholarship, it is essential that you study and educate yourself. It is definitely important that you know that understanding the difference between knowledge and wisdom is the best first step towards living your best life. You cannot have wisdom without knowledge, you cannot have insight without wisdom, and you cannot have intuition without insight.